Accessing respite through the Commonwealth Home Support Program

It’s important to have options during difficult times. White Oak are authorised to provide support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, which streamlines access to entry level support services. This can make a real difference in the life of an older person or their carer, because we can organise respite to relieve carers when they need it.

This may be while they wait for a home care package to become available, or in a situation where emergency respite is needed.

White Oak Care Manager Bianca Smilek said it was important for people to know what options are available for home care.

“We want to make sure people are aware we offer this service so they know they can rely on us if they need to organise respite at short notice,” Bianca said.

“With the new changes to the national waitlist for home care packages, it can take longer to get a home care package. This means people will need these services CHSP can provide more than ever.”

Bianca said the program can also be helpful for people who are coming to the end of an interim hospital package.

“The interim hospital packages that White Oak provide are for people who’ve been discharged from hospital but need some assistance until they get better, or until they receive a home care package. The interim hospital packages generally run for eight to 12 weeks, but getting a home care package after that ends can take more than three weeks.

“The CHSP can help fill the gap until the home care package becomes available.”

“We’re always happy to answer questions if people need more information, we’re just a phone call or an email away.”